Craig Ervine blasted Zimbabwe to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one-day international on Sunday.
His 130 not out took the hosts to their target of 304 with an over to spare for an early lead in the three-match series — a rare second straight win for Zimbabwe after they beat India in a Twenty20 game.
Left-hander Ervine’s match-winning innings against New Zealand was his first ODI century. His 130 came off just 108 deliveries and was punctuated by 11 fours and five sixes.
Photo: AFP
Zimbabwe scored 304-3 at the Harare Sports Club after New Zealand, playing as Aotearoa — the Maori-language name for the nation — posted 303-4, with 112 not out from Ross Taylor and 97 from stand-in captain Kane Williamson.
Zimbabwe opener Hamilton Masakadza started the chase strongly, making 84. Ervine then took over, reaching his maiden one-day hundred off 99 deliveries.
Ervine had leveled the scores with the six and Zimbabwe won when Nathan McCullum bowled a wide first up in the final over.
McCullum was New Zealand’s only wicket taker with 3-62.
New Zealand set a big target and appeared on course for victory after Taylor’s 16th ODI century and his 137-run partnership with Williamson, who is standing in for Brendon McCullum as captain.
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